Keys + Spacers + Bilsteins = Lift with good ride?

[owl_93]

If I bought 3" keys (or just cranked the factory keys) and got spacers for the rear and then replaced the front shocks with bilsteins, and then got an alignment, what would be the downsides to this? would my wheel bearings still wear out? would my ride suck? anyone done this to their ride?

 

[middelgriff1]

Thats what im running, 5100s front and rear with a 1.5body lift. No problems at all, just dont crank your keys all the way and stress everything out.

 

[owl_93]

Thats what im running, 5100s front and rear with a 1.5body lift. No problems at all, just dont crank your keys all the way and stress everything out.

How's the ride quality?

 

[owl_93]

Thats what im running, 5100s front and rear with a 1.5body lift. No problems at all, just dont crank your keys all the way and stress everything out.

I'm about to pull the trigger on all my parts right now on amazon, but first, I just wanted to make sure I'm getting the right shocks. I'm getting the

Bilstein (24-186643) 5100 Series Shock Absorber (for fronts)

&

Bilstein 24-187237 Rear Shock for GM Tahoe/Avalanche (rears, duh)

Are these the correct shocks for the lifting 2"?

 

[Rangel]

those are the part # i have for my shocks, but im at stock height. supposed to be good from stock -2" lift. are you changing springs too? does yours have the ZW7 suspension?

 

[owl_93]

I just realized that I can't do this because I have auto ride. Instead im using keys and shock extenders up front, and then putting z71 coils in the rear with 1.5" spacers

 

[hoss08]

I just realized that I can't do this because I have auto ride. Instead im using keys and shock extenders up front, and then putting z71 coils in the rear with 1.5" spacers

If you plan on Z71 springs in the rear with spacers you'll have to ditch the autoride anyway. Id say stick to the original plan and go with the 5100s all the way around and pull that autoride out. You don't really need it anyway, its just a costly useless system that's probably broken or on its last leg now. Youll still need the Z71 springs back there when you pull the autoride out. From what I have read no one had any complaints about ride quality after the switch. Also you really shouldn't use shock extenders up front, just go with an extended length 5100. Last I checked autoride had nothing to do with your front suspension. So even if your dead set on keeping autoride you wont need shock extenders up front, just in the rear.

 

[TxDrewski]

I have:
3" BL
3" keys cranked 2.5
1.5" rear spacers
5100s all around.
no complaints here!

 

[Goodinblack]

I have:
3" BL
3" keys cranked 2.5
1.5" rear spacers
5100s all around.
no complaints here!

Ford keys?

 

[TxDrewski]

Ebay Specials, bought the keys spacers and Bilstiens as a package deal for around 400ish.

 

[owl_93]

So, I should get a set of bilstein 5100's all around, ditch the shock extenders up front, throw in extended bilsteins on all four, keep the z71 coils, crank the keys, and throw my 1.5" spacers in back? That would mean I have about $300 more to buy for shocks. I can't get away with keys and spacers and z71 coils with extenders? I will pitch the cash for the bilsteins, its just gonna be tight right now with rent and tuition. I'm not doing wheels and toyot MTs until later February so I could do the bilsteins, but if I can get by with keeping autoride shocks (which are dead) that would be ideal in terms of $.

---------- Post added at 09:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 PM ----------

Ebay Specials, bought the keys spacers and Bilstiens as a package deal for around 400ish.

Do you know the model numbers on the front and rear bilsteins I'd need? I will snag them if I can but right now the biggest uncertainty is exactly which front and rears I'd need for the 1.5" I'd be adding.

 

[TxDrewski]

Whatever you do or however you go about it, I would make sure that new shocks go on for sure. i have never been a fan of extenders, I feel that you should have the correct length shock for the correct amount of lift.

 

[owl_93]

Whatever you do or however you go about it, I would make sure that new shocks go on for sure. i have never been a fan of extenders, I feel that you should have the correct length shock for the correct amount of lift.

I'll get the bilsteins then. Autoride has been nothing but trouble so far. I feel like regular shocks would be the best, especially bilsteins. I take my Hoe off road more than most, so I want to be able to be confident on the dirt and in the mud

 

[TxDrewski]

I'll get the bilsteins then. Autoride has been nothing but trouble so far. I feel like regular shocks would be the best, especially bilsteins. I take my Hoe off road more than most, so I want to be able to be confident on the dirt and in the mud

Good call especially if you spend time offroad. As far as part numbers, Id go to Summit Rcing and get the numbers from there, or maybe Rock Auto. i just checked my Ebay and the part #'s I have are no good for your AutoRide Application. I can PM you the guys info on Ebay if youd like. Its 420 bucks, no shipping cost for keys, spacers and 4 Bilsteins in the Manufacture boxes.

 

[owl_93]

Good call especially if you spend time offroad. As far as part numbers, Id go to Summit Rcing and get the numbers from there, or maybe Rock Auto. i just checked my Ebay and the part #'s I have are no good for your AutoRide Application. I can PM you the guys info on Ebay if youd like. Its 420 bucks, no shipping cost for keys, spacers and 4 Bilsteins in the Manufacture boxes.

In have keys and spacers and z71 coils in my apartment already, i just am confused about the exact bilsteins I need. I'll return the extenders right away though. Do I need to pull a relay to disable the autoride system all the way? I'd like to ditch the weight of the compressor to free up some weight for rock sliders if I can. Slimming down the Hoe is the way to go.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

Good call especially if you spend time offroad. As far as part numbers, Id go to Summit Rcing and get the numbers from there, or maybe Rock Auto. i just checked my Ebay and the part #'s I have are no good for your AutoRide Application. I can PM you the guys info on Ebay if youd like. Its 420 bucks, no shipping cost for keys, spacers and 4 Bilsteins in the Manufacture boxes.

The part numbers will not be good for autoride applications due to the fact that it would remove the autoride shocks and then autoride would no longer function. If this is the OP's intention (which it is) then that's what they want.

 

[hoss08]

The rears are # 24-185783
The fronts are # 24-186643

Those are the extended length 5100s youd need if you get rid of the autoride. I bought mine on Amazon for about $75 a shock with free shipping. I think I might have bought the last 2 of 3 rear shocks they had in stock, they have plenty of fronts though.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I'll get the bilsteins then. Autoride has been nothing but trouble so far. I feel like regular shocks would be the best, especially bilsteins. I take my Hoe off road more than most, so I want to be able to be confident on the dirt and in the mud

I am glad that you decided to go this route. I suspect you will be surprised how much the ride improves with bilsteins vs old blown air shocks.

I'll bet its going to feel real tight as first with the heavier springs, crank, and brand new high pressure shocks. Give it a couple of days to break in the shocks, and for you to become accustomed to the ride.

 

[yates ™]

What kind of angles are you seeing with 3" keys?

 

[Goodinblack]

What kind of angles are you seeing with 3" keys?

X2?